The Mythology in The Magic Wakes

Charity Bradford has been incredibly supportive from the very first blogfest, and I have the honor of being part of her blogtour for her first book, THE MAGIC WAKES, a cool mish-mash of sci fi and fantasy. When I first asked Charity to talk a little bit about mythology and how it relates to her book, she told me there wasn't much, but with a protagonist named Talia, I knew already that there was more than she'd realized!

Without further Ado, Here's Charity!

Thank you Amalia for hosting me today and for asking for a post that made me think.

I should preface this whole post by saying that whenever I talk about “the story” I mean Talia’s entire ARC. The Magic Wakes is a stand alone, but it’s really only the inciting incident in her journey.

This was the hardest post I had to prepare for my blog tour. Why? There are myths that will slowly build over the course of this series, but I didn’t intend on bringing them in until the second book. However, I’m human and there are several mythological themes already present in the story. When I looked closer at The Magic Wakes I noticed tiny hints to the future mythology I wanted to set up. They are so tiny you might miss them even if you search for them. Mostly I was surprised at how my own mythological beliefs if you will, affected the progression of my story. Let’s look at some of the main themes of mythology (mostly Greek) and how they manifest themselves in The Magic Wakes.

Heroism—This one is easy. As writers we all want strong, brave, noble, and clever heroes. My story is no different. Talia is all of these things, but it will take the entire journey to bring out all of the characteristics. Her’s is a quest of growth, even though she doesn’t know it yet. Along the way she does a lot of saving.

Love—There are often two kinds of love found in mythology. First there is that “struck by Cupid’s arrow” kind of impulsive and often very visceral love. It’s the all hot and bothered here in the moment kind of love. Talia and Landry feel this in the beginning but try their best to ignore it. However, you’ll see that Landry does become a bit obsessed with Talia and is borderline “stalking” her all in the name of duty. This is reminiscent of the “I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth and do anything to have you” effect of Cupid on his targets.

The second kind of love is there as well. Over the course of the story we will see our heroes love deepen to that longer lasting kind similar to Ceyx and Alcyone, who become birds and fly together for eternity after their tragic deaths. Although Talia and Landry aren’t going to turn into birds or die because of jealous gods. ;)

Fate—Ah, we can’t talk about mythology without fate. The supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines events and/or the inevitable events predestined by this force. Talia thinks she’s fighting her destiny or fate in The Magic Wakes, not realizing this is only the catalyst that will lead her to her ultimate fate by the end of the series. It this conclusion inevitable? Heh, heh, we’ll just have to wait and see now won’t we?

Sacrifice—There are so many great sacrifices in Greek Mythology (Antigone, Pyramus and Thisbe). We get a small hint of what Talia is willing to sacrifice in The Magic Wakes, but the big one doesn’t come until book three.

There are two other mythological ideas that are a part of my grand plan: Creationism and that of individuals being chosen or set apart as special. I’m actually very excited about my creation slant but still need to work out a few small details. Luckily I have a few more books to develop it. ;)

The final element of mythology that slipped into my writing without me realizing it was tied to mythology is the magic. My form of magic is very closely tied to the earth and elements with has a European flavor, perhaps Celtic? Let’s just say that in its earliest versions, my husband described it as a faerie-like tree hugger kind of magic. I’ve toned it down a bit and deepened the descriptions since then, so I hope that’s no longer the feel, but what’s wrong with loving trees and nature?

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Talia has a secret, one that will save her world and yet rip it apart. Only she can decide if the price is worth it.

Scientist Talia Zaryn has always had visions of an alien invasion and of her own death. She’s kept it a secret, hoping they are nothing more than childish nightmares. But when her face in the mirror matches that of her dreams, she fears the dreams are prophetic. Talia must prove that life exists beyond their planet, Sendek; perhaps then people will prepare to fight.

Talia’s work at the Space Exploration Foundation leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Landry Sutton isn’t looking for a friend. He’s looking for a traitor. His ability to sense emotions convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them. In an instant their minds are connected and they can communicate telepathically. Just as the two begin to trust each other, the invading force arrives.

Talia and Landry must uncover the secrets of Sendek’s past if they hope to defeat these terrifying creatures. And Talia is the key—if only she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.

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If any of this sounds interesting, The Magic Wakes is available February 19th from WiDo Publishing -- from whom you can pre-order now! Or hit up Amazon!